21-Year-Old Charged with Homicide of Nanticoke Man

NANTICOKE – The person police believe plowed into another car back in April in Luzerne County killing the driver turned himself in this afternoon and was charged with homicide by vehicle. Investigators also think he was under the influence.

21 year old John Ward walked into a magistrate’s office in Hanover Township, accused of killing a Nanticoke man last April. Police say he was speeding and driving drunk before he crashed into David Markowski’s car.

This was the scene eight months ago in Luzerne County – flashing lights, mangled cars here near Wilkes-Barre. David Markowski of Nanticoke was leaving a personal care home and was hit by ward as he turned onto the San Souci Parkway. Markowski was thrown from his car and taken to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital where he later died.

Markowski’s wife fought back tears as Ward was charged with homicide by vehicle while under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, reckless driving and other charges.

The victim’s family members say they are glad to see this day come.

“It was a wonderful feeling to at least have things started, it`s going to be a long time before he serves any time I`m sure. It`ll make my holiday a little happier because one of my wishes for Christmas were for things to get started,” said the victim’s daughter, Christine Yale.

Court paperwork shows that Ward told officers he was drinking the night of the crash and said he was driving about 75 to 80 miles an hour, racing a motorcycle ahead of him.

Markowski’s family says this tragedy has taken a toll on them and is making the upcoming holiday season a tough one to celebrate.

“I`m not going to have my dad to call me on New Year`s Eve this year so it`s going to be a hard one but we`ll get through it, we have each other. And I miss you dad,” said Yale.

Ward was released on $25,000 unsecured bail. He is scheduled to be back in court early January.